Generic name: carboplatin
Brand name: Paraplatin
Dosage form: intravenous (infusion) injection
Drug class:Alkylating agents
What is carboplatin?
Carboplatin is a cytotoxic chemotherapy drug used to treat cancer. Carboplatin works by binding to DNA and causing damage that prevents cells from reproducing. Cancer cells rapidly grow and divide out of control and carboplatin helps to stop this from happening. Carboplatin doesn't just target cancer cells though, it also affects normal cells that are growing and dividing.
Carboplatin is a platinum complex and alkylating agent that is similar to another cancer drug called cisplatin. Carboplatin was developed in the early 1980s to overcome some of the toxic side effects associated with cisplatin. It is less toxic to your kidneys, hearing and nerves than cisplatin.
What is carboplatin used for?
Carboplatin is a medicine that is used to treat cancer of the ovaries. It is used for the initial treatment of advanced ovarian carcinomas and also as a palliative treatment, when ovarian cancer has returned following prior chemotherapy.
Who should not receive Carboplatin?
Treatment with carboplatin is not recommended if you:
- are allergic to carboplatin or other platinum-containing products;
- have a weakened blood-forming system (bone marrow depression) or significant bleeding;
- are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding a baby.
What should I tell my doctor before receiving carboplatin?
Discuss the benefits and risks of carboplatin with your doctor before beginning treatment.
Be sure to inform your doctor:
- If you are allergic to carboplatin or other platinum-containing products;
- If you are or intend to become pregnant, since carboplatin may harm the developing fetus. It is important to use effective birth control while you are being treated with...
